Opening statements commenced on Thursday in New Mexico in the legal proceedings of "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez. She is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter in the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The prosecution alleges that Gutierrez did not consistently follow essential safety procedures, while the defense describes the set as chaotic during the trial.

Gutierrez, who has pleaded not guilty, is also charged with tampering with evidence after allegedly handing off a small bag of cocaine following her interview with the police post the shooting incident on October 21, 2021. The charges she faces carry a potential sentence of up to 18 months in prison if convicted.

In the trial, the prosecution aims to address two key questions: the events leading to Hutchins' untimely death and how live ammunition ended up on set. Prosecutor Jason Lewis underscored that Gutierrez's negligent acts and failures played a role in Hutchins' demise and the presence of live rounds on the set.

The defense countered by stating that Gutierrez has been unfairly targeted as a scapegoat in the aftermath of the shooting. They argue that the production, not Gutierrez, was at fault for various shortcomings according to the New Mexico Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Veteran Hollywood armorer Thell Reed and first assistant director David Halls are among the individuals expected to testify in support of Gutierrez's work competence. Halls, who handed Alec Baldwin the Colt. 45 revolver involved in the incident, was previously charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon.

Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer denied the defense's motions to dismiss the case and sever the tampering with evidence charge but allowed some evidence of alleged drug use by Gutierrez to be admissible in court. The trial continues with a focus on unraveling the circumstances that led to the tragic events on the "Rust" movie set.